NVIDIA Considering External Notebook Graphics Solution

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It seems like just a few years ago that ATI was showing off their external notebook graphics solutions and telling us that soon, all gaming notebooks would have external graphics. It seems like we’re still waiting (only one graphics card and two notebooks support ATI’s XGP external graphics port) but now, the head of NVIDIA’s mobile graphics division admits that they’re considering it, too.

Rene Haas, the general manager of notebook GPU division at NVIDIA, had an interview with xbitlabs.com, where he revealed that NVIDIA is now considering developing external graphics card solutions for notebook computers. “I think there is definitely a place for [external graphics cards for notebooks], no question. We continue to look at whether this is a GPU [docking stations] or external devices,” Haas said. Haas also stressed that these were just his opinions, but vaguely declined to comment on the company having any official plans.

As said above, external graphics solutions are nothing new. At CES 2008, ATI showed off their XGP (external graphics port) port technology, which would easily allow notebooks to allow for external graphics. Unfortunately, only one card, a ATI Mobility Radeon HD 3870 was made that was compatible with the port, and only two notebooks (one being the Acer Ferrari laptop) came the port.

Needless to say, notebook and graphics cards manufacturers didn’t jump at the XGA port technology. What makes NVIDIA think they’ll have better luck in this space? Haas continues, “I think, the issue that has to be solved for something like that is the right price-point that hits the right segment.”

Price should be a big issue. In the last year, we’ve seen the so-called “netbook revolution” where computer manufacturers had great success with 10-inch $300 notebook computers. Will a cumbersome external graphics solution, either a clumsy GPU docking station or a tethered graphics card be popular in today’s notebook economy?